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Topic: Closed A Job Offer (Read 183 times)

Dalila paced in her room, back and forth, back and forth. She was rarely agitated that badly. It bugged her that the assignment change had come so quickly. The last trip of the Oasis near Sihnon had carried a frustrating news, followed a day later by something of a bittersweet offer. During the last year, her project of a chapter house in space had been studied, and done. Yes. Done! But the guild had twisted it around so badly that Dalila did not even recognize it beyond companion chapter house in space.

It wasn’t about looking for fresh blood in less fortunate environment. It was about provided companion with a moving home around the core world. It was about helping apprentices going through the last hoops to become a full-fledged companion. It was about helping the less qualified one, or those who had trouble with a certain topic to get the one-on-one teaching they needed. It made her want to scream, because it was such an edulcorated version of her project, that they had given to someone else. Now because that someone else had jumped ship and gone back to service the clients, Dalila was finally considered as a serious candidate to be ship captain.

She wanted to tell the gorram bunch of Guay Toh Guay Nown to go… Dalila slowed her steps and went through a breathing exercise. She calmed herself, rid herself of the anger and slowly recovered her usual serene exterior, even if she was boiling inside. What was Seth doing? She wondered. It wasn’t him to be late unless something happened that required his attention.

It had been about a month since the night he had hired her. They had spent time together here and there. Training, swimming, watching a movie, it had been fun and she had felt herself grow fonder and fonder of the man. Now, she was confronted with the choice to offer him a job on the Frejya, or to leave him behind, and the latter hurt more than it should. She had grown attached to him, which was really no surprise. The man managed to balance sweet, charming and masculine so well…

She sat in her couch, careful that the length of cloth that hug loosely over her shoulder did not slip off. She had cleansed from her last client on the Oasis. It had a finality to it that was almost scary. Tomorrow at this time, she would be High Priestess and Captain of the Frejya. She had her hair loose on her shoulder, with still a hint of moisture to them. She knew that she smelled of the soap and oils she used to clean herself after meeting with a promiscuous client, that she was dressed to seduce him even if it wasn’t the goal of this meeting.

The knock at the door made her jump, and the top of her dress slipped off, exposing the top of her body, but she was still alone. She rose gracefully, walked toward the door and opened just a crack to see who was on the other side. God, those eyes. He was so gorgeous, all of him, but those eyes… “Come in, Seth.” She said, moving aside to open the door wider and invite him in. She thought that she had caught hints of his affection for her, that the connection was not unrequited. Would he agree to take the leap and follow her? From Engineer to Chief engineer, he would gain responsibilities, prestige, and a higher pay… but he was a simple guy, living a simple life, and he had given her the feeling of not aspiring to more…

The last month had gone by so quickly, Seth couldn't remember most of the days that had passed. There were some he -definitely- remembered, though – all the days he spent with Dalila.

A month or so had passed since their night together, and since then, he had been effectively 'friendzoned'. He had expected it, he had known it was going to happen, but that didn't lessen the discomfort it caused, even though he still found every minute he spent with her quite enjoyable. She was more than just a beautiful woman. She was intelligent, philosophical, quick-witted... and so much more. She was the kind of person he wanted to be around as much as he could.

But she had work to do, and that 'work', more than anything, kept them from going beyond the 'friend' stage. Oh, he had whispered his heart to her on that night they shared, and he couldn't help but wonder if that had made it even easier for her to push him to arm's length. He didn't regret it, though. Even if he never saw her again, she would know how he felt about her.

They'd shared some movies, a lot of time talking, working-out together and so on. But their friendship had become just that – a real friendship that did not include anything deeper.

This very day, he was supposed to see her again, but an emergency cropped-up with one of the O2 scrubbers on the Oasis, and any mechanical issues dealing with life-support were 'priority red', meaning they were more important than anything else on the ship. More important than eating dinner, more important than sleep, and certainly more important than getting to see the woman of his dreams – the one he couldn't have.

Still, the work didn't take TOO much longer than usual, and he raced back to his quarters, meager as they were, and quickly cleaned-up. As he dressed, he saw that suit hanging in his closet – the one he wore on that 'date' with her. He smiled faintly as he continued to get dressed, dressing in something casual and comfortable, not expecting to go anywhere 'upscale'. Probably another movie, or perhaps just some time talking, or maybe a walk to the observation deck...

Quickly catching his breath, glancing at his watch to see that he was about twenty minutes late. Not bad, considering that about half an hour ago he was elbow-deep in an O2 scrubber. It was a fairly easy fix, just time-consuming – and it wasn't like there was any REAL danger, since a ship of this size had eight of the things onboard. Still... life-support issues were handled -immediately-. No sense in taking risks that weren't necessary.

He reached her door, straightened up his shirt one more time, ran his hand through his hair just to be sure, and then gently knocked. Seth hoped she wouldn't be sore with him for being late – he was ready to explain, and then let her decide whether to be angry with him or not. He didn't think she would be – she was always so sensible.

The door cracked open slightly a few moments later, and the faint light allowed him to see a thin sliver of her face and one of her eyes. He smiled faintly. Those eyes... those lips... a man of his age and vigor couldn't help but desire her, but he had grown quite adept at keeping it from being SO obvious, after spending some time with her.

She stepped aside and opened the door, bidding him to enter. He nodded and stepped inside a few steps, coming to a halt and turning as she closed the door. It was only then that he realized her top had fallen away from her body, and he blinked, losing any sort of coherent thought in the moment. It wasn't on purpose that he was silent, then, as he stared, obviously at a loss for words... he simply waited for her to address him.

Dalila felt it the moment she stretched her arm to open the door. The subtle shift of her posture that would have been without consequences if she wore anything but the ceremonial cleansing dress. Before she caught it, Seth had a full view of her naked back, and since she turned to face him, her naked heavy breasts as well. As if it was nothing more than the strap of a dress barely falling off her shoulder, Dalila picked up the length of cloth and placed it over her shoulder again, covering herself decently.

“I hope it was nothing too serious.” She said, regarding him being so late. There was no reproach in her voice, not even a hint of impatience. She did not mind that he was late, even if she had spent every minutes waiting for him thinking about how to break the news to him, and how to make her offer and how to deal with the answer. Positive, negative, she had thought of a dozen of things that she could say that could convince him.

She walked to him with her usual gliding grace that showed this wasn’t an affected way to walk: it was her normal way. She placed her arms around his neck and did the unthinkable. She climbed on her toes and kissed his lips. It was a quick kiss, where she cradled his lip between hers for a moment. Her body pressed to him during this time, and when she broke the contact, it was to speak softly. “I have big news to share with you, and an offer to make as well. Would you like some wine?”

Dalila remained close to him, believing after his reaction to her wardrobe slip, that he still desired her just as strongly as their magical night together. He would not push her away, or at least she did not believe that he would, and it gave her hope that he might agree to date a High Priestess, the captain of a ship where he would gain in ranks beyond what he could do here, on the Oasis.

He watched as she casually moved her hand to lift up the cloth to cover herself once more, and Seth blinked – and blushed slightly – when he suddenly realized he had been staring. It was difficult not to do that, though he had gotten better at it over the past few weeks.

”No, nothing serious,” he responded to her expression of hope with a smile. Maybe she was curious, or perhaps she didn't care to hear the details at all. Either way, to get his mind back on track and to make conversation he continued. ”One of the O2 scrubbers set off an alarm. Nothing life-threatening, but since it's related to life-support, I had to tend to it. Sorry I'm late... you know if it was my choice, I wouldn't have been,” he said, and she'd likely know he was being truthful. For all of their 'meetings', he was usually early. Only the threat of losing his job – or getting into some sort of trouble over it, or the safety of the Oasis would make him late to see her.

As he finished speaking, though, she was already moving toward him, and she reached up, put her arms around his neck, rose up on her tip-toes – and kissed him. He was a bit surprised by this – but he wasn't a statue, as his lips moved gently, mirroring her own. The kiss was gentle, short... but warm. It sent a chill down his spine, and even as she pulled her perfect lips away from his – he wanted to kiss her again.

After pulling away, she spoke again, telling him she had big news to share with him. His senses were on alert immediately, and in a split-second a hundred different ideas went through his mind. Was she leaving the Oasis, returning to her Guild? Or perhaps some other man had captured her heart and she planned to leave with that lucky person, whoever he might be? Or perhaps it was something less drastic - perhaps news from a friend or relative that she had the urge to share?

”Yes please, that would be delightful,” he said smoothly in response to her offer of wine. If anything, it would delay any 'bad' news by a few seconds, and if it was 'good' news she had to share, wine would only make it all the sweeter. But he did not push her away, his hands having moved to her hips when she kissed him. He didn't pin her in place, of course – she could easily step away, but it was clear he was not eager to let her go...

The wine offered was not cheap, of course, but Dalila couldn’t care less about the expense. She had to pack her things and move out of those quarters. Two days was all she had. Two days to clean up the small loft and during that same time she had to convince him to come with her, that it was best for him if he did. Since when did her desire for human connection had become stronger than her sense of duty? She had been pulled to him from the moment he came toward her shuttle, fumbling with his tools and trying to impress. It had been charming, endearing…

The High Priestess had said, back during Dalila’s apprenticeship, that she would not be a companion for long. Not because of her grade; Dalila had been quite good at the topics she had picked for herself. The High Priestess said she wouldn’t be a companion for long, because she would fall in love and accept to marry. Dalila had always been too close to her emotions and while training had taught her to hide them behind the appearance of serenity and calm, it had failed to teach her to suppress them.

She poured the wine into two cups before placing the carafe back where it came from. There was about a cup left, visible at the bottom of the container. Well, she wouldn’t have to buy another bottle now. “I’m leaving the Oasis.” She said, echoing one of his thoughts without even knowing. Her tone reflected how she felt about it. An ambivalence between the thrill of a promotion, a new challenge, and a dread of leaving the security of something she know, the presence of someone she liked…

“I have been offered a somewhat edulcorated version of my dream. In two days, I leave here to become the captain and High Priestess of the Freyja, a companion ship that trains apprentices who are nearly done, but struggle with some aspects or subject matters that a companion needs to master.” She announced and sat on her loveseat. She pat the seat beside her to invite Seth to come sit with her but her pause was only long enough for her to draw breath and speak again.

“The ship is fairly new, functional but not fully staffed. The last Captain had a knack of running off good, qualified people before she returned to the Companion life.” She shook her head as if to shake off the digression. “The chief mechanic position is opened. For you. If you’d like a change of venue.” She she offered and realized that she could have paced herself and not just pour it all out like she had to empty a bottle by holding the bottom up; let him wrap his head around her leaving and being promoted before offering him to do the same. She took a sip of wine and the dress very nearly fell again but she caught it in time.

Seth watched patiently as Dalila poured the two glasses of wine. He knew it wasn't the 'cheap stuff', because she had shared some with him before. He appreciated that she was willing to share some of it with him – a 'friend', and a lowly mechanic at that.

But he almost fumbled the glass when she finally spoke – and bluntly informed him that she was leaving the Oasis. It was one of the things he feared, though he truly hadn't expected it to happen so soon. A few months, maybe a year or two, sure – but they'd become friends – though he wished for more – just over a month ago. How terrible fate was to take her away so soon!

He couldn't hide the look of dread that crossed his facial features, and in an attempt to hide the look, he glanced down at the glass he carefully held in his hands so that he could gather his emotions. At least he knew now, and perhaps she would still have some time left on the Oasis before she had to go.

Dalila began to explain, then, what was happening, and he listened intently to every word. He felt his heart drop again when she informed him she would be leaving in two days... TWO DAYS! She was being promoted, and apparently the Guild needed her sooner rather than later. She moved over to the loveseat and sat down, patting the empty space beside her to quietly invite him to join her. Without hesitation, he moved over and carefully sat down beside her, making sure to secure his drink so that he wouldn't spill any.

She had more to say, he could tell, so he took a sip of the wine. Taking a sip also gave him an excuse not to speak right away – but what could he say, anyway? Good luck? Enjoy the trip? Congratulations? Or could he gently ask her -not- to go? The last was a silly thought – he had no hold on her, and he could tell that she had wanted an assignment like this...

But then she hit him with the offer – her new assignment was on a ship that needed a mechanic – a Chief Mechanic – and she was offering it to -him-....

His face lifted and his eyes sought hers, his a little wide with surprise. There were other, better mechanics out there that she could make the offer to, and they would have accepted it in seconds. But he looked at her for a long moment, wanting to ask her the question... needing to know...

”Firstly... congratulations on the new position. I know you deserve it, and I know you will do well in it,” he said softly, and then gently cleared his throat, building up the courage to ask her the next question that came next.

”As for your offer... can you tell me... are you asking me, specifically, just because you need a mechanic on your new ship? Or... are you asking me... for other reasons?” he asked, forcing his eyes to remain on hers, not wanting to look away. He hadn't directly spoken to her about his 'feelings' for her since their night together, and besides – he wasn't entirely sure of his own feelings, himself! But... he had to know if she wanted him along for purely professional reasons, or if there was any hint of personal reasons in there, as well...

Dalila saw all the emotions flow through him. He was good at hiding most of them, but she was equally as good as reading them. The longer she spent with one particular person, the easier it got to reading them. She had been intimate with him, and not just as a physical level. He had professed love that night, showered her with compliments, and so on. Their time together had always been very pleasant, and she could tell that sometimes he had felt the urge to push further but held back. She was, after all, a companion.

She bowed her head in gratitude at his congratulatory words, and smiled at him. Deserving, maybe. It was the start of her dream. She could learn the ropes of being a captain, and solidify her position as high priestess, and when that would be done, then she may be able to look for students in places where the guild refuses to look. “Thank you.” She said and tilted her head as he appeared to be pondering a way to say what comes next.

Her first thoughts was that he was refusing to follow her. I would be understandable, of course. Two days was a short notice, and chief mechanic – or chief engineer, she couldn’t recall the exact name of the title right there and then - was a big step up. He claimed to know his place in the grand scheme of social classes and she was offering him to climb up the ladder. His question made her lips twitch into a smile, which she hid behind a sip of wine.

“I am offering you because you are a -good- mechanic. And I’m asking you because I really like you. I will be the ship’s High Priestess, no longer offering service to clients as anything other than the main hostess of the ship, should they have a complaint. If I recall our conversations, it is the possibility of intimacy with other men that bothered you most about what I do. It’s something that I will not do anymore. I am no longer taking clients, my name is off the roster of available candidates since this morning. We could become lovers.” She took another sip of wine and set the cup aside on the coffee table.

“Any other concerns, Seth? Your quarters would be about as big as what I have here, the pay is a big step above what they can afford to pay you here, you would have access to the whole ship the same a you do here: gym, pool, observation deck, bar… As long as your presence do not interfere between client and companion, you are free to come and go as you please.” Dalila reached out with a hand and placed it on the tip of his closest shoulder. She was willing him to take the job, to come with her.

While Dalila seemed quite calm, and perhaps even a little excited by the news she just shared, Seth's insides were doing their best to do flip-flops in his abdomen. He knew from the start he shouldn't have let himself get too attached to her. He knew he should have enjoyed the physicality and nothing more, and that would have been quite easy if Dalila hadn't been so incredibly sweet, intelligent, witty, and just plain enjoyable to spend time with.

But after giving his congratulations and then asking his question in return in regards to her offer, he simply waited to hear her response – and he didn't realize at first that he was holding his breath.

Her answer was 'both', really – she wanted a good mechanic on her ship, AND she really liked him. Those words made the corners of his mouth twitch into a faint smile, pleased to receive such praise and affection from her, of course. But it was her following words that really caught him by surprise, and made his eyes widen in both surprise and joy. Becoming the captain of this ship she spoke of, she would no longer be 'in circulation'. She wouldn't be taking clients... and they could become lovers. As in the real sense of the word!

Seth almost missed her question, asking him if he had any other concerns. He blinked, and thankfully she didn't just sit there laughing at him or the surprise he showed. Instead, she continued on, explaining what his quarters would be like, the pay, the benefits, and so on. It would be a step-up in every sense of the word, as long as he didn't interfere with the business being conducted on the ship, between client and companion.

Quickly, he shook his head. ”Oh, no, I wouldn't dream of interfering in any way,” he said energetically. ”After all... there's only one companion I am interested in...”

Dalila gently set her hand on his shoulder, and he head-shake quickly turned to a nod. ”I accept. Most definitely I accept,” he said, and he knew he would be a fool not to.

”Would I be leaving with you in two days?” he asked, now obviously eager to see what the future really held. There was now a sparkle in his eye, one that hadn't been this bright since their first night together....

Dalila was patient, relaxed, there was no need for him to hurry through his surprise and his thoughts. All that she had left to do was to pack here and that would not take her overly long. She had two large chests to put her clothes in, and had required a third for little things like the tea set she had been gifted, or the small wooden statues that one of her client had carved for her. With nothing to do than her exercise routine and packing, she would be ready in time if she started tomorrow early.

Leaving the Oasis still felt a bit surreal. She had made a great amount of credits here, as it hovered around the best planets for companions and there was also plenty of business on board. She could retire, live comfortably for the rest of her days unless she ran into a bad luck, but this time on the Freyja might secure this retirement further. Dalila loved being a companion for the social side of it all, not for the make-believe part. Plus, she was always too inclined to become attached, unable to remain truly emotionally unavailable… Maybe that was why she had jumped on this assignment so quickly. She would still get to play hostess, but at least she would no longer have to fake being in love, being interested in someone until they believed it.

“I didn’t think you would interfere, Seth. These are just… basic boundaries. I am so glad, and so relieved that you accept the position.” And the emotions were easy to hear in her voice and to see in her eyes. She was thrilled that he would agree to come with her on this new adventure. She could only hope that she would be good enough as captain. She had a good head on her shoulder, was very conscious of the wellbeing of her crew, she had to do well… She believed that she could.

“You would be leaving with me in two days. Otherwise, the two ships may not be in the same area for a couple weeks, maybe a couple of months. You can wait if you want to, or if you have to. I know it is short notice to pick up your life and move, but also for your supervisor, but I’ve heard through the grapevines that he was required to reduce the number of mechanics, so you may save someone else’s job by leaving with me; he might be relieved. Would leaving the day after tomorrow be too soon?” She asked him and titled her head, observing him, reading the signs. He wanted to become her lover, that was not even a question she needed to ask; she had read it all over him over and over again whenever they met. She was looking for signs of a strain that leaving so quickly could put on him, and see if she could make it easier somehow.

Seth quickly gathered the idea that Dalila was indeed being serious, and unless he was imagining things, he got the impression that she truly did want him to make the move with her when she went to her new ship – and her new position of command. Of course, he knew he MIGHT be imagining it – because deep down he wanted her to want him, so his mind could very well play tricks on him. But why would she bother offering at all if she didn't really want him to take the job? She didn't even have to mention it in the first place.

It became more clear to him when she expressed her gratitude for him accepting the position, and when she said she was relieved he did – he believed her. Not once since meeting her did he feel she would be deceptive, and he didn't imagine she would have any reason to deceive him anyway. He couldn't help smile when she expressed her pleasure that he'd accepted.

But he listened closely when she explained the schedule over the next few days. Two days, because the Oasis, and her new ship, would be in the near vicinity at the time, and maybe not again for weeks or possibly even months. For as much as humanity had mapped the nearby systems, the black was still pretty damned huge. She also did mention that his department was looking to 'downsize' a bit. The Oasis had received some new 'upgrades' not long ago, automating some systems – even though human mechanics would never be -completely- replaced, of course. Still, she was aware of what was happening in his department, and he nodded slowly.

”Yeah, my boss will be pretty glad, I think, to get my notice. Not because I am bad, or anything... but they were really hoping they wouldn't have to let anyone go, and were hoping that some of us would leave by choice first,” he said. ”So this works out great, really.”

He didn't appear strained about the discussion at all. In fact, if anything, he seemed a bit more excited the more they talked about it. ”I don't have a lot to pack, to be honest, so that will be quick, too. I have some tools and such to turn-in, and of course my paperwork and credentials for working on the Oasis, but I can definitely be ready to go the day after tomorrow,” he said, taking on a warm smile.

”If anything... the next two days are going to crawl by...”

The future was certainly looking bright – and quite a bit more interesting than it had been in years....

When he felt the need to specify that his boss would be glad to see him go not due to the quality of his work, Dalila smiled. She knew that; she had taken his references before offering him the job. The comments had been about his exemplary work, and she had seen how good he was at it too. He had fixed her shaky shuttle after all. She let him talk, though, because she loved the sound of his voice, and the enthusiasm in his voice was soothing too. She was so glad that he was eager to join her on the Freyja…

“Well, all that I have to pack you see here. I’m used to travelling light, since I knew that I could be asked to leave here at any moment. I’ll probably make one last tour of the ship, go eat my favorite meal at my favorite restaurant and take it easy, since I am client-free from here on.” She said, and then decided that she would not begin to pack tonight, Tomorrow would be soon enough. Tonight, he was here, and she intended to take advantage of him. She drained her glass of wine, put it aside, and took the decision to move forward with her idea.

Dalila moved to stand, keeping one foot on the floor and one knee on the seat. She placed one hand on the back of the couch and leaned forward toward him, aiming for the side of his neck. “Please tell me that you have no issue sleeping with your boss, and I’ll show you how little of our one sexual encounter was about me doing my job.” She offered and her lips pressed against the side of his neck, just at the edge of is jaw.

The top part of her dress slipped and fell for the second time tonight. However, this time she did not pick it back up. She let the length of fabric fall into her lap and raised her free hand to the other side of his neck. Her brown hair was pulled over her shoulder by the way she tilted her head, offering him an unhindered expanse of smooth skin, front and back, right down to her waist where the fabric still clung to her hips. “Tell me that you want to make this personal, Seth, and no man will touch me for as long as you want of me and I of you.” She whispered, pulling her head back just enough that he would be able to kiss her if he wanted.

Dalila's smile had always been enough to make his insides melt, in a very good way. Sometimes he still even felt the urge to turn away – her eyes, her gaze was so... distracting yet intense, beautiful and serene all at the same time, it was almost as if some part of him felt he shouldn't -be- looking at her like he did. Like he wanted her.

She explained about how little she had to actually pack, and her explanation certainly made sense. It wouldn't be very practical to travel with an entire house load of personal belongings when she could move from place to place on a moment's whim. He nodded, completely understanding her situation – his was certainly similar. The management of the Oasis had no qualms in firing any staff member who didn't meet – and maintain – their strict level of performance and attitude, so new lower-level employees (like himself) came and went, and every one of them were warned 'not to get too comfy'. A single wrong look, a single wrong word, and he'd have been shipped off to the nearest planet after being fired.

But instead, he had been lucky enough to meet Dalila, and so he had made sure his performance was top-notch and his attitude was perfect – just so he could remain on the Oasis for as long as possible, at least until she left. And now she was leaving... and she wanted him to come with her.

”Great idea. One last lap around your favorite places on the ship. I'll have to do the same, too,” he suggested, knowing that he had a few places like she did that he preferred, and wanted to see once or twice more before leaving. A last good-bye to a couple of semi-decent friends, too, and that would be it. His meager belongings were probably fewer in number than even hers was, which meant a quick pack and move was guaranteed.

When she rose upward to stand, though, all thought of packing, friends, and the ship simply emptied out of his mind. His eyes were on hers, curious where she was going and what she was doing. Soon he found out, as her head lowered beside his, and he felt the warmth of her perfect-soft lips on the side of his neck. He sucked in a sudden, surprised breath – he hadn't anticipated such a move, but he sure as hell liked it.

Then her words challenged him, breaking through whatever other thoughts might have been lingering in his mind. His head slowly tilted away, offering his vulnerable neck to her in a show of trust and desire.

”Normally... I'd recommend against such a thing..,” he responded softly. ”But... in your case... I'd sleep with you -anytime-,” he said, wishing he could have been just a bit more 'poetic' about it, but getting the point across in an instant. No, he obviously had no concerns about sleeping with his boss – as long as his boss was her. His hands felt heavy, as if he didn't know what to do with them – or was afraid if he moved them, he'd be a clutz about it. She moved like an angel, though, a dancer, slow and smooth with a practiced touch. Her dress slid down her body, revealing generous, gorgeous curves that had haunted his dreams since the first time they me. He suddenly realized he had been holding his breath again, and did his best to let it out slowly.

Her next words took his breath away again, though, and his eyes did widen slightly in obvious surprise. Maybe this was just some sort of weird test? Testing to see if he really WOULD do something as unethical as sleeping with his boss? She had to know, though... she -had- to know that -she- was different to him, and wouldn't be just a normal 'boss'...

But his reply came tumbling from his mouth before he could stop it, his head tilted, his soft eyes searching hers as he spoke, his voice a gentle whisper.

”I've wanted this to be personal... since I fixed your shuttle...,” he admitted, and it hit him yet again that she sounded like she was offering him... exclusivity? Or was he just pretending to hear what he -wanted- to hear? ”I don't think I could look at another woman the way I look at you – or want another woman the way I want you, Dalila,” he said softly, confessing once again how he felt for her.

Slowly he moved his head toward hers, trying to match her pace, her speed, her gentleness, as his lips gently pressed against hers, his mind racing. Did she -feel- for him? Or was she simply looking for a 'break' from her job, deciding on setting some time aside for one person – that person being him in this case? A shiver went down his spine at the implications of it all – and the mere thought of what the future might hold for them as his hands moved up to rest on her bare shoulders, gently caressing, his lips silently inviting her to dive into a deeper, more intimate kiss...

2517, The Unification War has been over for a decade and Miranda is still a secret. Into The Black is an Alternate Universe Firefly & Serenity fandom roleplaying game. It centers around independent crews of different ships which travel all over the 'verse created by Joss Whedon.